Method and system for powering an electronic device

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for providing a power supply to a device, including an inductive rechargeable power supply for a data monitoring and management system in which a high frequency magnetic field is generated to provide power supply to a rechargeable power source such as a battery of a transmitter unit in the data monitoring and management system are provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/562,630 filed Dec. 5, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/089,348 filed Nov. 25, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,933,664, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/611,734 filed Nov. 3, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,593,109, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/396,135 filed Mar. 31, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,620,438, entitled “Method and System for Powering an Electronic Device”, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Analyte, e.g., glucose monitoring systems including continuous and discrete monitoring systems generally include a battery powered and microprocessor controlled system which is configured to detect signals proportional to the corresponding measured glucose levels using an electrometer, and RF signals to transmit the collected data. One aspect of certain glucose monitoring systems include a transcutaneous or subcutaneous analyte sensor configuration which is, for example, partially mounted on the skin of a subject whose glucose level is to be monitored. The sensor may use a two or three-electrode (work, reference and counter electrodes) configuration driven by a controlled potential (potentiostat) analog circuit connected through a contact system.

The analyte sensor may be configured so that at least a portion thereof is placed under the skin of the patient so as to detect the analyte levels of the patient, and another portion of segment of the analyte sensor that is in communication with the transmitter unit. The transmitter unit is configured to transmit the analyte levels detected by the sensor over a wireless communication link such as an RF (radio frequency) communication link. To transmit signals, the transmitter unit requires a power supply such as a battery. Generally, batteries have a limited life span and require periodic replacement. More specifically, depending on the power consumption of the transmitter unit, the power supply in the transmitter unit may require frequent replacement, or the transmitter unit may require replacement (e.g, disposable power supply such as disposable battery).

In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have an approach to provide a power supply for a transmitter unit in a data monitoring and management system.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for providing a power supply to an analyte monitoring system, where embodiments include an inductive rechargeable power supply for a data monitoring and management system in which a high frequency magnetic field is generated to provide power supply to a rechargeable power source such as a battery of a transmitter unit in the data monitoring and management system.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a data monitoring and management system for practicing one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the transmitter of the data monitoring and management system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a magnetic field generator unit of the receiver unit configured for providing inductive power recharge in the data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the magnetic field radiation unit of the serial resonant tank section of the receiver unit shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the transmitter unit with a rechargeable battery configured for inductive recharging in the data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a function illustration of the high frequency power transformer of the transmitter unit and the receiver unit including the magnetic field generator unit of the data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention below, there are provided methods and system for inductively recharging a power source such as a rechargeable battery in an electronic device such as a data transmitter unit used in data monitoring and management systems such as, for example, in glucose monitoring and management systems.

FIG. 1 illustrates a data monitoring and management system such as, for example, an analyte (e.g., glucose) monitoring system 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The subject invention is further described primarily with respect to a glucose monitoring system for convenience and such description is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the analyte monitoring system may be configured to monitor a variety of analytes, e.g., lactate, ketones, and the like.

Indeed, analytes that may be monitored include, for example, acetyl choline, amylase, bilirubin, cholesterol, chorionic gonadotropin, creatine kinase (e.g., CK-MB), creatine, DNA, fructosamine, glucose, glutamine, growth hormones, hormones, ketones, lactate, peroxide, prostate-specific antigen, prothrombin, RNA, thyroid stimulating hormone, and troponin. The concentration of drugs, such as, for example, antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin, vancomycin, and the like), digitoxin, digoxin, drugs of abuse, theophylline, and warfarin, may also be monitored.

The embodiment of glucose monitoring system 100 includes a sensor 101, a transmitter unit 102 coupled to the sensor 101, and a receiver unit 104 which is configured to communicate with the transmitter unit 102 via a communication link 103. The receiver unit 104 may be further configured to transmit data to a data processing terminal 105 for evaluating the data received by the receiver unit 104. Moreover, the data processing terminal 105 in one embodiment may be configured to receive data directly from the transmitter unit 102 via a communication link 106 which may optionally be configured for bi-directional communication. In addition, within the scope of the present invention, the receiver unit 104 may be configured to include the functions of the data processing terminal 105 such that the receiver unit 104 may be configured to receive the transmitter data as well as to perform the desired and/or necessary data processing to analyze the received data, for example.

Only one sensor 101, transmitter unit 102, receiver unit 104, and data processing terminal 105 are shown in the embodiment of the glucose monitoring system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the glucose monitoring system 100 may include one or more sensor 101, transmitter unit 102, receiver unit 104, and data processing terminal 105, where each receiver unit 104 is uniquely synchronized with a respective transmitter unit 102. Moreover, within the scope of the present invention, the glucose monitoring system 100 may be a continuous monitoring system, or semi-continuous, or a discrete monitoring system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 101 is physically positioned in or on the body of a user whose glucose level is being monitored. The sensor 101 may be configured to continuously sample the glucose level of the user and convert the sampled glucose level into a corresponding data signal for transmission by the transmitter unit 102. In one embodiment, the transmitter unit 102 is mounted on the sensor 101 so that both devices are positioned on the user's body. The transmitter unit 102 may perform data processing such as filtering and encoding of data signals, each of which corresponds to a sampled glucose level of the user, for transmission to the receiver unit 104 via the communication link 103.

In one embodiment, the glucose monitoring system 100 is configured as a one-way RF communication path from the transmitter unit 102 to the receiver unit 104. In such embodiment, the transmitter unit 102 transmits the sampled data signals received from the sensor 101 without acknowledgement from the receiver unit 104 that the transmitted sampled data signals have been received. For example, the transmitter unit 102 may be configured to transmit the encoded sampled data signals at a fixed rate (e.g., at one minute intervals) after the completion of the initial power on procedure. Likewise, the receiver unit 104 may be configured to detect such transmitted encoded sampled data signals at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, the glucose monitoring system 100 may be configured with a bi-directional RF (or otherwise) communication between the transmitter unit 102 and the receiver unit 104.

Additionally, in one aspect, the receiver unit 104 may include two sections. The first section is an analog interface section that is configured to communicate with the transmitter unit 102 via the communication link 103. In one embodiment, the analog interface section may include an RF receiver and an antenna for receiving and amplifying the data signals from the transmitter unit 102, which are thereafter, demodulated with a local oscillator and filtered through a band-pass filter. The second section of the receiver unit 104 is a data processing section which is configured to process the data signals received from the transmitter unit 102 such as by performing data decoding, error detection and correction, data clock generation, and data bit recovery.

In operation, the receiver unit 104 is configured to detect the presence of the transmitter unit 102 within its range based on, for example, the strength of the detected data signals received from the transmitter unit 102 or a predetermined transmitter identification information. Upon successful synchronization with the corresponding transmitter unit 102, the receiver unit 104 is configured to begin receiving from the transmitter unit 102 data signals corresponding to the user's detected glucose level. More specifically, the receiver unit 104 in one embodiment is configured to perform synchronized time hopping with the corresponding synchronized transmitter unit 102 via the communication link 103 to obtain the user's detected glucose level.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the data processing terminal 105 may include a personal computer, a portable computer such as a laptop or a handheld device (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs)), and the like, each of which may be configured for data communication with the receiver via a wired or a wireless connection. Additionally, the data processing terminal 105 may further be connected to a data network (not shown) for storing, retrieving and updating data corresponding to the detected glucose level of the user.

Within the scope of the present invention, the data processing terminal 105 may include an infusion device such as an insulin infusion pump or the like, which may be configured to administer insulin to patients, and which may be configured to communicate with the receiver unit 104 for receiving, among others, the measured glucose level. Alternatively, the receiver unit 104 may be integrated with an infusion device so that the receiver unit 104 is configured to administer insulin therapy to patients, for example, for administering and modifying basal profiles, as well as for determining appropriate boluses for administration based on, among others, the detected glucose levels received from the transmitter unit 102.

Additionally, the transmitter unit 102, the receiver unit 104 and the data processing terminal 105 may each be configured for bi-directional wireless communication such that each of the transmitter unit 102, the receiver unit 104 and the data processing terminal 105 may be configured to communicate (that is, transmit data to and receive data from) with each other via a wireless communication link. More specifically, the data processing terminal 105 may in one embodiment be configured to receive data directly from the transmitter unit 102 via the communication link 106, where the communication link 106, as described above, may be configured for bi-directional communication.

In this embodiment, the data processing terminal 105 which may include an insulin pump or the like, may be configured to receive the glucose signals from the transmitter unit 102, and thus, incorporate the functions of the receiver unit 104 including data processing for managing the patient's insulin therapy and glucose monitoring. In one embodiment, the communication link 103 may include one or more of an RF communication protocol, an infrared communication protocol, a Bluetooth® enabled communication protocol, an 802.11x wireless communication protocol, or an equivalent wireless communication protocol which would allow secure, wireless communication of several units (for example, per HIPAA requirements) while avoiding potential data collision and interference.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the transmitter of the data monitoring and detection system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the Figure, the transmitter unit 102 in one embodiment includes one or more of the following components. The transmitter may include an analog interface 201 configured to communicate with the sensor 101 (FIG. 1), a user input 202, and a temperature detection section 203, each of which is operatively coupled to a transmitter processor 204 such as a central processing unit (CPU). As can be seen from FIG. 2, there are provided four contacts, three of which are electrodes—work electrode (W) 210, guard contact (G) 211, reference electrode (R) 212, and counter electrode (C) 213, each operatively coupled to the analog interface 201 of the transmitter unit 102 for connection to the sensor 101 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, each of the work electrode (W) 210, guard contact (G) 211, reference electrode (R) 212, and counter electrode (C) 213 may be made using a conductive material that is either printed or etched, for example, such as carbon which may be printed, or metal foil (e.g., gold) which may be etched.

Further shown in FIG. 2 are a transmitter serial communication section 205 and an RF transmitter 206, each of which is also operatively coupled to the transmitter processor 204. Moreover, a power supply 207 such as a battery is also provided in the transmitter unit 102 to provide the necessary power for the transmitter unit 102. Additionally, as can be seen from the Figure, clock 208 is provided to, among others, supply real time information to the transmitter processor 204.

In one embodiment, a unidirectional input path is established from the sensor 101 (FIG. 1) and/or manufacturing and testing equipment to the analog interface 201 of the transmitter unit 102, while a unidirectional output is established from the output of the RF transmitter 206 of the transmitter unit 102 for transmission to the receiver unit 104. In this manner, a data path is shown in FIG. 2 between the aforementioned unidirectional input and output via a dedicated link 209 from the analog interface 201 to serial communication section 205, thereafter to the processor 204, and then to the RF transmitter 206. As such, in one embodiment, via the data path described above, the transmitter unit 102 is configured to transmit to the receiver unit 104 (FIG. 1), via the communication link 103 (FIG. 1), processed and encoded data signals received from the sensor 101 (FIG. 1). Additionally, the unidirectional communication data path between the analog interface 201 and the RF transmitter 206 discussed above allows for the configuration of the transmitter unit 102 for operation upon completion of the manufacturing process as well as for direct communication for diagnostic and testing purposes.

As discussed above, the transmitter processor 204 is configured to transmit control signals to the various sections of the transmitter unit 102 during the operation of the transmitter unit 102. In one embodiment, the transmitter processor 204 also includes a memory (not shown) for storing data such as the identification information for the transmitter unit 102, as well as the data signals received from the sensor 101. The stored information may be retrieved and processed for transmission to the receiver unit 104 under the control of the transmitter processor 204. Furthermore, the power supply 207 may include a commercially available battery.

The power supply section 207 provides power to the transmitter for a minimum amount of time, e.g., about three months of continuous operation after having been stored for a certain period of time, e.g., about eighteen months in a low-power (non-operating) mode. It is to be understood that the described three month power supply and eighteen month low-power mode are exemplary only and are in no way intended to limit the invention as the power supply may be less or more than three months and/or the low power mode may be less or more than eighteen months. In one embodiment, this may be achieved by the transmitter processor 204 operating in low power modes in the non-operating state, for example, drawing no more than approximately 1 μA of current. Indeed, in one embodiment, during the manufacturing process of the transmitter unit 102, the transmitter unit 102 may be placed in the lower power, non-operating state (i.e., post-manufacture sleep mode). In this manner, the shelf life of the transmitter unit 102 may be significantly improved. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, while the power supply unit 207 is shown as coupled to the processor 204, and as such, the processor 204 is configured to provide control of the power supply unit 207, it should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, the power supply unit 207 is configured to provide the necessary power to each of the components of the transmitter unit 102 shown in FIG. 2.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the power supply section 207 of the transmitter unit 102 in one embodiment may include a rechargeable battery unit that may be recharged by a separate power supply recharging unit (for example, provided in the receiver unit 104 or in a mount to which the transmitter may be coupled, e.g., for on-body securement) so that the transmitter unit 102 may be powered for a longer period of usage time. Moreover, in one embodiment, the transmitter unit 102 may be configured without a battery in the power supply section 207, in which case the transmitter unit 102 may be configured to receive power from an external power supply source (for example, a battery) as discussed in further detail below.

Referring yet again to FIG. 2, the temperature detection section 203 of the transmitter unit 102 is configured to monitor the temperature of the skin near the sensor insertion site. The temperature reading may be used to adjust the glucose readings obtained from the analog interface 201. The RF transmitter 206 of the transmitter unit 102 may be configured for operation in the frequency band of about 315 MHz to about 470 MHz, for example, in the United States. Further, in one embodiment, the RF transmitter 206 is configured to modulate the carrier frequency by performing Frequency Shift Keying and Manchester encoding. In one embodiment, the data transmission rate is 19,200 symbols per second, with a minimum transmission range for communication with the receiver unit 104.

Referring yet again to FIG. 2, also shown is a leak detection circuit 214 coupled to the guard contact (G) 211 and the processor 204 in the transmitter unit 102 of the data monitoring and management system 100. The leak detection circuit 214 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to detect leakage current in the sensor 101 to determine whether the measured sensor data are corrupt or whether the measured data from the sensor 101 is accurate.

Additional detailed description of the continuous glucose monitoring system, its various components including the functional descriptions of the transmitter are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,752 issued Jan. 16, 2001 entitled “Analyte Monitoring Device and Methods of Use”, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/745,878 filed Dec. 26, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,811,231, entitled “Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and Methods of Use”, and elsewhere.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a magnetic field generator unit of the receiver unit (or other component) configured for providing inductive power recharge in the data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the magnetic field generator unit 300 includes a power source such as a battery 301 configured to provide DC power to the magnetic field generator unit 300. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a DC to DC conversion unit 302 operatively coupled to the power source 301 and a DC to DC inversion unit 303. The magnetic field generator unit 300 in one embodiment also includes a pulse generator unit 304 operatively coupled to a level shift unit 305 which is in turn, operatively coupled to an output driver unit 306.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the output driver unit 306 is operatively coupled to a magnetic field radiation section 307 which, as described in further detail below, may be configured to generate and radiate a magnetic field. Also shown in FIG. 3 is an RF receiver antenna 308 which is configured to receive data from the transmitter unit 102 (FIG. 1) over the communication link 103 (FIG. 1). Additionally, referring still to FIG. 3, the RF receiver antenna 308 is operatively coupled to an antenna matching section 309 which in turn, is operatively coupled to an RF detection unit 310 which may be configured to rectify the received RF signal from the transmitter unit 102 as discussed in further detail below. In addition, the RF detection unit 310 as shown in FIG. 3 is operatively coupled to a triggering threshold unit 311. The triggering threshold unit 311 is also operatively coupled to an external trigger switch 312 and a timer unit 313. In one embodiment, the timer unit 313 is operatively coupled to the power source 301 and the DC to DC conversion unit 302, and may be configured to control power supply in the magnetic field generator unit 300 to preserve power consumption and effectively conserve the life of the power source 301.

In one embodiment, the power source 301 is configured to provide direct current (DC) power supply for the magnetic field generator unit 300 that is provided in the receiver unit 104 (FIG. 1) of the data monitoring and management system 100. Alternatively, the magnetic field generator unit 300 may be incorporated into a separate unit or component and used to charge the power supply of the transmitter unit 102.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the DC to DC conversion unit 302 in one embodiment includes a step up DC to DC converter which is configured to boost the voltage level of the power source 301 to a higher positive DC voltage for the pulse generator unit 304, the level shift unit 305, and the output driver unit 306. The DC to DC inversion unit 303 in one embodiment may include a step up DC to DC inverter configured to boost the positive DC voltage received from the DC to DC conversion unit 303 to a negative DC voltage to increase signal swing dynamic range between the positive and negative power supply rails for the level shift unit 305 and the output drive unit 306.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the pulse generator unit 304 in one embodiment includes a square wave generator and configured to generate square wave signals from, for example, approximately 100 KHz to approximately 1 MHz and to provide the generated square wave signals to the level shift unit 305. The frequency range specified above may vary depending upon the specific component used and other design considerations. With the received square wave signals, the level shift unit 305 in one embodiment is configured to convert the positive square wave signals into corresponding positive and negative swing square wave signals with doubled voltage amplitude, which is provided to the output drive unit 306. The output drive unit 306, in turn, is configured to drive the magnetic field radiation section 307 by applying the full swing square wave signals from the level shift unit 305. In one embodiment, as discussed in further detail below in conjunction with FIG. 4, the magnetic field radiation section 307 includes a serial inductor-capacitor (LC) resonance circuit that may include tuning capacitors and multilayered printed circuit board (PCB) core coil inductor.

Referring yet again to FIG. 3, the RF receiver antenna 308 in one embodiment is configured to receive the RF signals from the transmitter unit 102 (which may be associated with monitored or detected analyte levels received from the sensor 101 (FIG. 1)). In one embodiment, the resonance frequency of the RF receiver antenna 308 may be tuned at the same frequency of the RF carry signal from the transmitter unit 102. The antenna matching circuit 309 is configured to receive the RF signals from the RF receiver antenna 308, and to deliver the received energy from the RF receiver antenna 308 to the RF detection unit 310. In one aspect, the RF detection unit 310 may be configured to use a zero bias or biased RF Schottky barrier diode to rectify the amplitude envelope of the received RF signals from the RF receiver antenna 308.

Referring yet still to FIG. 3, the rectified signal from the RF detection unit 310 is provided to the triggering threshold unit 311 which, in one embodiment includes a voltage comparator that compares the signal amplitude level of the rectified signal from the RF detection unit 310 and a reference voltage. Thereafter, the triggering threshold unit 311 in one embodiment is configured to switch the output of the triggering threshold unit 311 to low logical level when the signal level from the RF detection unit 310 exceeds the reference voltage. Similarly, an external trigger switch 312 may be provided which is configured to pull down the output voltage of the triggering threshold unit 311 to a low logical level when the external trigger switch 312 is activated. In one embodiment, the external trigger switch 312 is provided to allow the user to manually turn on the magnetic field generator unit 300.

The triggering threshold unit 311 may be coupled to the timer unit 313 which in one embodiment includes a mono-stable timer, and may be configured to be triggered by the triggering threshold unit 311 to turn on or turn off the magnetic field generator 300 automatically and conserve the battery life of the power source 301. More specifically, in one embodiment, the timer unit 313 may be programmed to a time period that is longer than one time interval between two received RF signals from the transmitter unit 102, but which is shorter than two time intervals, such that the magnetic field generator unit 300 is configured to be turned on continuously when the RF signals are received by the RF receiver antenna 308.

In this manner, in one embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic field generator unit 300 may be configured to inductively charge the rechargeable power source of the transmitter unit 102 (FIG. 1). More specifically, when the transmitter unit 102 is positioned in close proximity to the magnetic field generator unit 300 (for example, incorporated into the receiver unit 104), the magnetic field generator unit 300 may be configured to activate automatically or manually depending upon the transmitter unit 102 transmission status.

That is, in one embodiment, when the transmitter unit 102 is transmitting RF signals, these signals received by the receiver unit 104 including the magnetic field generator unit 300 will activate the magnetic field generator unit 300 as described above by the RF receiver antenna 308 providing the received RF signals to the RF detection unit 310 via the antenna matching section 309. The rectified amplitude envelope signals from the RF detection unit 310 is then configured to pull down the output voltage of the triggering threshold unit 311 to a low logical level. The low logical level starts the mono stable timer unit 313, which turns on the DC to DC conversion unit 302 for the pulse generator unit 304, the level shift unit 305, and the output drive unit 306 to generate the magnetic field which is then used to inductively recharge the power source in the transmitter unit 102.

In this manner, the RF signal transmission from the transmitter unit 102 in one embodiment is configured to maintain the magnetic field generator unit 300 to continuously generate the magnetic field, or alternatively, the trigger switch 312 may be activated to manually trigger the magnetic field generator unit 300 to continuously generate the magnetic field to inductively recharge the power supply of the transmitter unit 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates the magnetic field radiation section 307 shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the magnetic field radiation section 307 of FIG. 3 in one embodiment includes a flexible ferrite layer 410 having disposed thereon an adhesive layer 420 on which, there is provided multilayered PCB core coil inductor 430. In this manner, when the magnetic field generator unit 300 (FIG. 3) is activated, the magnetic field 440 is generated as shown by the directional arrows in FIG. 4. The flexible ferrite layer 410 increases the permeability of the PCB core coil inductor 430 by confining the bottom magnetic field in close proximity to the magnetic field radiation section 307. For a given coil inductor, the inductance is proportional to the permeability of the core material. Furthermore, since Q factor of the inductor is proportional to inductance of the inductor, in one embodiment, the Q factor and inductance of the multilayered PCB core coil inductor 430 are increased by the presence of the flexible ferrite layer 410. Moreover, the resonance voltage and current developed on the multilayered PCB core coil inductor 430 is proportional to the Q factor. The magnetic field is, therefore, enhanced.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the transmitter unit with a rechargeable battery configured for inductive recharging in the data monitoring and management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the transmitter unit 102 with inductive power recharge capability includes an antenna 501 which in one embodiment includes a parallel resonant loop antenna configured to resonate at the same frequency as the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator unit 300 (FIG. 3). The generated magnetic field 440 (FIG. 4) induces a current flow in the antenna 501 of the transmitter unit 102 when the transmitter unit 102 is positioned in close proximity to the magnetic field generator unit 300 (for example, when the transmitter unit 102 is placed on top of the magnetic field generator unit 300). The induced current flow then builds up AC voltage across the two ends of the loop antenna 501.

Referring back to FIG. 5, also shown is a rectifier unit 502 which, in one embodiment includes a full bridge rectifier, and is configured to rectify the AC voltage built up in the loop antenna 501 into a corresponding DC voltage. In turn, a linear DC regulator unit 503 is provided to convert the varying DC voltage from the rectifier unit 502 into a constant voltage which is provided to a battery charging circuit 504. The battery charging circuit 504 in one embodiment is configured to provide a constant charging current to charge a rechargeable battery 505 provided in the transmitter unit 102. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the rechargeable battery 505 may be configured to store the energy from the battery charging circuit 504 to provide the necessary power to drive the circuitry and components of the transmitter unit 102.

As shown in FIG. 5, an RF antenna 509 is coupled to an RF transmitter 507 which, under the control of a microprocessor 510 is configured to transmit RF signals that are associated with analyte levels monitored by a sensor 101 and processed by an analog front end section 508 which is configured to interface with the electrodes of the sensor 101 (FIG. 1). A power supply 506 is optionally provided to provide additional power to the transmitter unit 102.

FIG. 6 is a function illustration of the high frequency power transformer of the transmitter unit and the receiver unit including the magnetic field generator unit of the data monitoring and management system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, as can be seen, a high frequency power transformer is formed by the magnetic field radiation section 307 including the flexible ferrite layer 410 with the multilayered PCB core coil inductor 430 (for example, as similarly shown in FIG. 4), and a similar flexible ferrite layer 601 with a corresponding multilayered PCB core coil inductor 602 provided in the transmitter unit 102. The multilayered PCB core coil inductor 602 in one embodiment includes the loop antenna 501, the rectifier unit 502, and the linear DC regulator unit 503. As shown, when the transmitter unit 102 is positioned in close proximity to the magnetic field generator unit 300 of the receiver unit 104, for example, the high frequency power transformer is generated so as to inductively charge the rechargeable battery 505 of the transmitter unit 102.

Moreover, referring to FIG. 6, the circuit board 603 is configured in one embodiment to include the electronic components associated with the transmitter unit 102, for example, as discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 5, while circuit board 604 is configured in one embodiment to include the electronic components associated with the receiver unit 104 including the magnetic field generator unit 300. For example, in one embodiment, the circuit board 603 includes the power supply 506, the RF transmitter 507, the analog front end section 508, the RF antenna 509, and the microprocessor 510 as described above in conjunction with FIG. 5.

In the manner described above, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, there are provided method and system for inductively recharging the power supply such as a rechargeable battery of a transmitter unit 102 in the data monitoring and management system 100 using a high frequency magnetic transformer that is provided on the primary and secondary printed circuit boards 603, 604 respectively. Accordingly, a significant reduction in size may be achieved in the transmitter unit 102 design and configuration which may be worn on the patient's body for an extended period of time. Moreover, since the transmitter unit power supply can be recharged without exposing the internal circuitry for example, using a battery cover to periodically replace the battery therein, the transmitter unit housing may be formed as a sealed enclosure, providing water tight seal.

In addition, within the scope of the present invention, the magnetic field generator may be integrated into a flexible arm cuff type device such that the power supply of the transmitter unit 102 may be recharged without being removed from its operating position on the skin of the patient or user, such that the contact between the electrodes of the sensor 101 and the transmitter unit 102 analog front end section may be continuously maintained during the active life cycle of the sensor 101.

Accordingly, an apparatus for providing rechargeable power for use in a data communication system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a power source section including a magnetic field generator unit configured to generate a magnetic field, and a rechargeable power section including a rechargeable power supply unit, wherein the rechargeable power supply unit is configured to be recharged when the rechargeable power section is provided in a predetermined proximity to the generated magnetic field of the power source section.

In one aspect, the power source section and the rechargeable power section may comprise a power transformer unit, which may include a high frequency power transformer.

The magnetic field generator unit may include a first coil inductor, and further, where the rechargeable power supply unit may include a second coil inductor, where also, each of the first and second coil inductors may include a plurality of PCB layers.

The rechargeable power section in one embodiment may include a data transmission unit, and further, wherein the power source section includes a data receiver unit, where the data transmission unit may be configured to transmit one or more signals to the data receiver unit in the rechargeable power section over a wireless communication link including an RF communication link.

In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to be controlled by one or more of the transmitted signals from the data transmission unit.

An apparatus for providing rechargeable power for use in a data communication system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes a power source section including a magnetic field generator unit configured to generate a magnetic field, a power section that is rechargeable provided in a predetermined proximity to the generated magnetic field of the power source section.

The power section may include a rechargeable power supply unit configured to be inductively recharged by the power source section.

In another aspect, a data transmitter unit may be configured to transmit one or more signals associated with an analyte level, the data transmitter unit including the power section.

In yet another aspect, a data receiver unit may be configured to receive one or more signals associated with an analyte level, the receiver unit including the power source section.

In still another aspect, a glucose monitoring system may be provided including a data transmitter unit configured to transmit one or more signals associated with an analyte level, and a data receiver unit configured to receive the one or more signals from the transmitter unit, wherein the transmitter unit includes the power section, and further, where the receiver unit including the power source section.

An analyte monitoring system with rechargeable power supply in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes an analyte sensor at least a portion of which is configured for subcutaneous placement under a skin layer, the sensor configured to detect an analyte level, a data transmission unit operatively coupled to the analyte sensor, the data transmission unit configured to transmit a plurality of signals including a signal associated with the detected analyte level, the data transmission unit further including a rechargeable power supply unit, and a data monitoring unit configured to receive the signal from the data transmission unit, the data monitoring unit further including a magnetic field generator unit, where the rechargeable power supply unit is configured to be recharged by the magnetic field generator unit.

In one aspect, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to inductively charge the rechargeable power supply unit.

Further, the magnetic field generator unit may include a first multilayered coil inductor, and the rechargeable power supply unit may include a second multilayered coil inductor, where a first ferrite layer may be disposed on the first multilayered coil inductor, and a second ferrite layer may be disposed on the second multilayered coil inductor.

Moreover, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to be controlled by one or more of the transmitted signals from the data transmission unit.

In another aspect, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to generate a magnetic field, and where the rechargeable power supply unit may be configured to be recharged by the magnetic field generator unit when the data transmission unit is positioned in a predetermined proximity to the magnetic field.

Also, the magnetic field generator unit may be configured to generate a power transformer between the data transmission unit and the data monitoring unit.

A method of providing rechargeable power supply in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention includes generating a magnetic field, positioning a rechargeable power source within a predetermined distance from the generated magnetic field, and inductively charging the rechargeable power source. In certain embodiments, the method is a method of providing power to a transmitter of a transmitter of an analyte monitoring system.

In one aspect, generating the magnetic field may be triggered by the RF data transmission detection.

Also, the method may further include manually controlling the step of generating the magnetic field.

Moreover, in a further aspect, the method may also include detecting one or more analyte levels of a patient, and transmitting one or more signals associated with the detected one or more analyte levels.

In addition, the method may also include receiving the transmitted one or more signals, and/or monitoring an analyte level of a patient, where the analyte level includes a glucose level.

Various other modifications and alterations in the structure and method of operation of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the present invention and that structures and methods within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a transcutaneous analyte sensor in contact with bodily fluid under skin of a patient, the analyte sensor configured to generate data signals corresponding to monitored analyte levels; a receiving device; and sensor electronics coupled to the analyte sensor to receive the data signals, the sensor electronics configured to be inductively powered by an electromagnetic field and to transmit signals to the receiving device; wherein the receiving device includes an electromagnetic field generator to generate the electromagnetic field to inductively power the sensor electronics, the electromagnetic field generator including: an RF detection unit to receive the transmitted signals from the sensor electronics; and a threshold detection unit coupled to the RF detection unit to determine whether to generate the electromagnetic field based on at least one characteristic of the received signals from the sensor electronics.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic field generator further includes a timer coupled to the threshold detection unit to control the generation of the electromagnetic field by being triggered by the threshold detection unit.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the timer is triggered by the threshold detection unit when the threshold detection unit is generating the electromagnetic field.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the timer is configured to control the generation of the electromagnetic field by turning the electromagnetic field generator on and off.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the timer is configured to turn the electromagnetic field generator on and off according to a time period that is longer than one time interval between received signals from the sensor electronics, but shorter than two such time intervals.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic field generator is configured to generate the electromagnetic field when the sensor electronics is within a predetermined range.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the RF detection unit includes a rectifier configured to rectify amplitude envelopes of signals from the sensor electronics, and wherein the threshold detection unit includes a voltage comparator configured to compare signal amplitude levels of signals from the sensor electronics with a reference voltage, and wherein the at least one characteristic of the received signals from the sensor electronics includes the signal amplitude level of the received signals.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the threshold detection unit is configured to determine that the electromagnetic field should be generated by determining that the signal amplitude level exceeds the reference voltage.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a manual switch for a user to cause the electromagnetic field generator to generate the electromagnetic field.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiving device further includes a power source coupled to the electromagnetic field generator.
 11. An apparatus, comprising: an electromagnetic field generator to generate an electromagnetic field to inductively power a sensor electronics coupled to a transcutaneous analyte sensor in contact with bodily fluid under a skin surface of a patient, the analyte sensor configured to generate data signals corresponding to monitored analyte levels, and the sensor electronics configured to transmit signals; wherein the electromagnetic field generator includes: an RF detection unit to receive the transmitted signals from the sensor electronics; and a threshold detection unit coupled to the RF detection unit to determine whether to generate the electromagnetic field based on at least one characteristic of the received signals from the sensor electronics.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electromagnetic field generator further includes a timer coupled to the threshold detection unit to control the generation of the electromagnetic field by being triggered by the threshold detection unit.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the timer is triggered by the threshold detection unit when the threshold detection unit is generating the electromagnetic field.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the timer is configured to control the generation of the electromagnetic field by turning the electromagnetic field generator on and off.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the timer is configured to turn the electromagnetic field generator on and off according to a time period that is longer than one time interval between received signals from the sensor electronics, but shorter than two such time intervals.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electromagnetic field generator is configured to generate the electromagnetic field when the sensor electronics is within a predetermined range.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the RF detection unit includes a rectifier configured to rectify amplitude envelopes of signals from the sensor electronics, and wherein the threshold detection unit includes a voltage comparator configured to compare signal amplitude levels of signals from the sensor electronics with a reference voltage, and wherein the at least one characteristic of the received signals from the sensor electronics includes the signal amplitude level of the received signals.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the threshold detection unit is configured to determine that the electromagnetic field should be generated by determining that the signal amplitude level exceeds the reference voltage.
 19. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a manual switch for a user to cause the electromagnetic field generator to generate the electromagnetic field.
 20. The apparatus of claim 11, further including a power source coupled to the electromagnetic field generator. 